A Statistical Approach to Optimize the Solar Adsorption Refrigeration System

Abstract

Solar-powered refrigeration based on adsorption cycles is simple, quiet in operation and adaptable to small medium or large systems. Application potentials include storage of vaccines for immunization against killer diseases in remote areas, preservation of foodstuff for future use and manufacture of ice. Already Solar Adsorption Refrigeration (SAR) is a technical success, but it is not commercially competitive with either the conventional vapor compression or PV refrigerators. Further developmental research is, therefore, required for improvements in existing designs either to increase system overall performances significantly or to reduce system unit cost or both. In this study a statistical approach was used to optimize of solar adsorption air conditioning or refrigeration unit using ANOVA analysis. It was found that the coefficient of performance (COP) of a SAR system does not depend sharply on the evaporator temperature without any relation of the system conditions. Instead COP depends significantly on both condenser temperature and type of couple used in the refrigeration system. In addition some factors that concern about design could have an effect on the COP. From the optimization model the maximum value of COP was found under low condenser temperature and high generator temperature. Zeolite/water couple has the maximum COP value whereas the activated carbon has the minimum value.

Key words: Solar adsorption; Refrigeration; ANOVA; SAR

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